2022 CSMFO Annual Conference - Schedule of Sessions by SMA Launch

CSMFO ANNUAL CONFERENCE

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SCHEDULE

CSMFO ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

of sessions

CSMFO ANNUAL CONFERENCE

SCHEDULE

at a glance TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2022 PRE-CONFERENCE SESSIONS

Tuesday, February 15, 2022 10:15 am – 5:00 pm Sharpening Fiscal Foresight… Through the Lens of Priority Based Budgeting – Seeing Things Differently Location: Pacific C Becoming A “Debt”-I Master: Controlling Your Next Municipal Debt Issuance Location: Pacific D

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

CONCURRENT SESSIONS Wednesday, February 16, 2022 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm Show Me More Money – Optimizing Revenues in a Post COVID-19 World (will be recorded) Location: Pacific A

Fantastic Fundamentals of Treasury Programs (will be recorded) Location: Pacific D

Where do You Want to be Tomorrow, or Next Year? Career Advancement Through the Lens of Professionals Who can Help get You There Location: Pacific E

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2022 EARLY BIRD SESSIONS

Wednesday, February 16, 2022 9:00 am – 10:15 am The Coleman Report (will be recorded) Location: Pacific A

Long-Range Financial Planning and Modeling (will be recorded) Location: Pacific B Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are Action Words Location: Palm 1-6 BREAK – EXHIBIT HALL Wednesday – 10:15 am – 10:30 am

DESSERT BREAK Wednesday – 12:45 pm – 1:15 pm Location: Town & County Ballroom

SPECIAL COFFEES & BREAKFAST WITH VENDORS Thursday – 7:30 am – 8:30 am Location: Town & Country Ballroom Thursday, February 17, 2022 8:30 am – 9:45 am

Effective Project Management Location: Palm 1-3

Critical Concepts of Accounting for Capital Assets (will be recorded) Location: Pacific A

Federal Legislative and Regulatory Update Location: Pacific E SODA BREAK – EXHIBIT HALL Wednesday – 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm Location: Town & County Ballroom

A Practical Approach – Utility Users Tax Administration and Lessons Learned Location: Pacific C

Advanced Tools for Managing Pension Costs and UAL Location: Pacific E

Economic Outlook (will be recorded) Dr. Lindsey Piegza, Stifel Nicolaus Location: Golden State Ballroom

How to Handle Buyer’s Remorse as Interest Rates Rise Location: Palm 1-3

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Wednesday, February 16, 2022 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm Leadership Skills to Build Trust – an Asset More Important than any on Your Balance Sheet (will be recorded) Location: Pacific A Are You Ready for Your Auditor? (will be recorded) Location: Pacific D

Revenue Recovery – From Riches to Rags, and Back to Riches? Location: Pacific C Emergency Management Response Plan – Are You Ready? Location: Pacific E Rising Cyber Risks Pose Increased Credit Challenges for State and Local Governments Location: Palm 1-3

CalPERS Actuarial Information/Valuations 101 Location: Sunset 1-3 VENDOR RECEPTION Wednesday – 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Location: Town & County Ballroom

CSMFO ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Two Budget Practitioners – Feedback on Your Budget(s) (will be recorded) Location: Pacific D

OPENING GENERAL SESSION, FEATURED SPEAKER & LUNCH Building Sustainable Infrastructure: Promoting Positive Social, Economic, and Environmental Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Impacts 10:30 am – 12:45 pm Location: Palm 4-6 Ben Nemtin (will be recorded) Location: Golden State Ballroom

CHAPTER CHAIR BREAKFAST Thursday – 7:30 am– 8:00 am Location: Skyview 2

Priority Based Budgeting: Aligning Resources with Strategic Results Location: Pacific C

The Art of Communicating for Finance Officers: FEATURED SPEAKER Building the Skills to Speak and Write to Influence Decision Makers Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Location: Sunset 1-3 2:45 pm – 4:00 pm Tuesday, February 15, 2022 1:30 pm – 4:15 pm

YOGA Thursday – 6:30 am – 7:15 am Location: Pacific F/G

Technology Master Planning – Maximize Your Tech Investments Location: Palm 4-6 CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Thursday, February 17, 2022 10:00 am – 11:15 am A 360 View of OPEB Trusts and Why They Work (will be recorded) Location: Pacific A Public Speaking for Financial Folks (will be recorded) Location: Pacific D

Opposites Attract: Cultivating Trust, Teamwork, and Collaboration between Finance and Human Resources Location: Pacific C The Post-COVID Revenue Cookie Jar for Cities Location: Palm 1-3 A Fundamental of Municipal Debt: Lease Financing in California Location: Palm 4-6

California Local Investing in a post-COVID World Location: Sunset 1-3

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FEATURED SPEAKER AND LUNCH Thursday, February 17, 2022 11:30 am – 1:45 pm Chuck Gallagher (will be recorded) Location: Golden State Ballroom

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 BUFFET BREAKFAST Friday, February 18, 2022 8:00 am – 9:00 am Location: Golden State Ballroom CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Friday, February 18, 2022 9:00 am – 10:15 am

Thursday, February 17, 2022 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm CalPERS – the Charted Course Forward in Pensions (will be recorded) Location: Pacific A Insights from Lease Implementation (will be recorded) Location: Pacific D

The Human Side of Ethics: Making Great Choices Not Because We Have to, but Because We Want to Location: Pacific C Operationalizing Equity in Budget Development Location: Pacific E

Benchmarking: A Better Tool for Success than You Think Location: Palm 1-3 Evaluating Proposals for Investment Advisory Services Location: Palm 4-6

Discover GFOA Best Practices (will be recorded) Location: Pacific D

Prevent Cyber Attacks Against Your Organization Location: Pacific C

Clarifying CalPERS Rules on Hiring, Reporting, and Working after Retirement Location: Pacific E Indirect Costs and Federal Funding: What You Need to Know Location: Palm 1-3 CLOSING SESSION & FEATURED SPEAKER

Friday, February 18, 2022 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Marques Ogden (will be recorded) Location: Pacific A

DESSERT BREAK WITH VENDORS Thursday – 3:15 pm – 4:00 pm Location: Town & County Ballroom CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Thursday, February 17, 2022 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm Cyber Security – A Growing Risk: What You Should Know and Do (will be recorded) Location: Pacific A Effective Communication of Your Agency’s Investment Results and Financials to Stakeholders (will be recorded) Location: Pacific D Financial Transparency and Equity in the Age of COVID-19 Location: Pacific C

Is the 2022 Economic Forecast Trending the Right Way? Location: Pacific E

How to Handle Complicated Costing Conversations Location: Palm 1-3 Promises and Pitfalls of American Rescue Plan Grants and Others! Location: Palm 4-6 THURSDAY NIGHT EVENT

Thursday, February 17, 2022 6:00 pm – 12:00 am

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LOUNGE FOR STUDENTS AND FIRST-TIME ATTENDEES Wednesday, February 16 – 9:30 am – 5:00 pm Thursday, February 17 – 9:30 am – 5:00 pm Location: Pacific H/I

CALPERS ACTUARY MEETINGS

(by appointment only) Wednesday, February 16 – 8:30 am – 10:30 am, 1:00 – 2:30 pm, and 4:00 – 5:30 pm Thursday, February 17 – 8:30 am – 11:30 am and 3:30 – 5:30 pm Location: Palm 7&8

EXHIBIT HALL OPEN

Wednesday, February 16 – 9:30 am – 6:30 pm Thursday, February 17 – 7:30 am – 4:00 pm Location: Town & Country Ballroom

COMPLIMENTARY HEADSHOT STATION

Wednesday, February 16 – 12:30 – 5:30 pm Thursday, February 17 – 7:30 am – 11:30 am and 1:30 – 4:30 pm

GUIDEBOOK APP Download ‘Guidebook’ from the Apple App Store or the Android Marketplace to access the schedule, session descriptions, exhibitor descriptions, and more!

CSMFO ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

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questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED Q: Do I have to keep on the blue wristband? Do I need to have my name badge? A: Yes, you will need both your blue wristband and your name badge to access any CSMFO meeting space. The wristband certifies that you have completed the required COVID-19 verification process. Please keep them on you during the week! Q: Is there a printed program? A: In an effort to be environmentally conscious, printed programs are not available. The full program is available online and we also encourage you to download the conference mobile app which includes the full program with session information. Q: Do I have a ticket for the Thursday Night Event? A: If you are a full conference registration, it is included with your registration. You should have two drink tickets included on your name badge which you may use at this event. It begins at 6:00 pm on the Flamingo Lawn! Q: Is there an event on Wednesday night? A: Yes, the vendor reception will take place in the Exhibit Hall from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Don’t forget your drink ticket which is included on your name badge! Q: Can I purchase an extra ticket for my guest to attend the Thursday Night Event? A: Yes you can! Come see us at registration. It is $175 per person and must be purchased in advance of the event. If you have already purchased a ticket, please pick it up at registration. Q: Where is Breakfast? A: On Wednesday and Thursday, breakfast is located in the Exhibit Hall (Town & Country Ballroom). Q: Where is Lunch? A: Lunch for both days is located in the ballroom near the Exhibit Hall and Registration- Golden Ballroom. Q: Is there WiFi in the meeting space? A: Limited WiFi connections are available. See the registration desk for connection information. Q: Is there an attendee list? A: It is available in the Know Before You Go e-mail that was sent out with a link. Q: Will the presentations be made available? A: All presentations received prior to the conference have been posted to the Guidebook application. After the conference, we will post additional sessions that we receive from the speakers. Q: How do I replace someone who is registered but unable to attend? A: Visit the registration desk and they can take your information and make you a name badge. Q: When/how will I get my CPE certificate? A: Your attendance is being tracked through your name badge when you walk in to a meeting room. After the conference, a certificate will be e-mailed that will list all sessions you attended. Please allow a minimum of two weeks. Q: Where is the yoga event? A: There will be yoga in Pacific F/G on Thursday from 6:30 am to 7:15 am. It is limited to the first 30 attendees- reserve your spot on the Guidebook app. Yoga mats and towels will be provided. Q: I drove my car, where can I park? A: Self-parking rates available at the Town & Country Hotel. For hotel guests, self-parking is $18. Self-parking for non-hotel guests are as follows: $6 for the first hour, then $4 for each additional hour, with a maximum total of $25 per day rate. Q: What are the hours of the head shot station? A: Wednesday 12:30 – 5:30 pm and Thursday 7:30 am – 11:30 am, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm. Q: What are the Discover CSMFO Virtual Sessions? A: CSMFO is offering a virtual conference component, to include 15 of the hottest topics, as well as the general session and keynote speakers from the actual in-person conference. These sessions will be video recorded live at the conference, and then offered on four afternoons simulive in March 2022. Dates for these sessions are Tuesday March 15th, Wednesday March 16th, Tuesday March 22nd, and Wednesday March 23rd. Registration is still available on our website!

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GENERAL INFORMATION About Your Badge Your name badge will be necessary to gain access to all official events. Be sure to wear it at all times. Full Conference registrants are entitled to attend all business sessions, all Conference-sponsored meal functions, and all Conference social events. Daily registrants are entitled to attend the general sessions, concurrent sessions, breakfast, and lunch on the day they are registered to attend, where applicable. If a daily registrant is attending on Wednesday, they are also able to attend the vendor reception event. Your name badge is enabled for RFID tracking. This is used not only for CPE-tracking purposes, but also to give us information about the number of attendees at any given session to assist with planning for future conferences. It is important that you wear your badge at all times, and that you enter sessions using a door that is covered with a RFID truss.

CPE Credit The California Society of Municipal Finance Officers is a provider for the California State Board of Accountancy continuing professional education (CPE) programs for Certified Public Accountants and for GFOA’s Certified Public Finance Officers. This year, we are using RFID technology to automatically scan your badge, so no need to scan in/ out of sessions! Following the conference, attendees will receive an email containing a link to their CPE certificate. Please be sure to “white list” or approve emails received from office@staff.csmfo.org in order to ensure delivery of your CPE certificate. Conference App CSMFO is mobile! We strongly encourage you to download our mobile guide to enhance your experience at the 2022 CSMFO Annual Conference. You’ll be able to plan your day with a personalized schedule; browse exhibitors, maps, and general Conference information; message other attendees; and even share photos! The app is compatible with iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches, and Android devices. To get the guide, download “Guidebook” from the Apple App Store or the Android Marketplace. Once downloaded, search for “CSMFO.”

Conference Presentations Any presentations received in advance of the conference will be available for download through the Guidebook app at the conference. Presentations will also be posted to the CSMFO website after the conference. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2022

Pre-Conference Sessions – 10:15 am – 5:00 pm Registration Open – 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm PRE-CONFERENCE SESSIONS

Tuesday, February 15, 2022 10:15 am – 5:00 pm Sharpening Fiscal Foresight…Through the Lens of Priority Based Budgeting – Seeing Things Differently Budget & Financial Planning (6 CPE – Technical) Location: Pacific C

Has your organization had years of across-the-board cuts to programs, as well as regular attempts to implement the budget trend of the moment? Are you looking for specific ways to gain trust and credibility with elected officials, agency staff, and the public regarding your organization’s budget process? Then you want to attend this pre-conference session on Priority Based Budgeting (PBB), which has brought a new perspective and understanding to a wide range of communities throughout the United States. Come hear Jon Johnson, the cofounder of PBB, share how this process not only provides a way in which an organization can make better shortterm resource allocation decisions based on the relative priority of the various programs and services it offers, but

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also provide a new way to link budget decisions to the strategic results and outcomes that the organization wishes to achieve for the long-term. This thoughtful and innovative practice has been adopted by the International City/ County Management Association (ICMA), the Alliance for Innovation (AFI), and the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). Speaker:

Jon Johnson, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Alliance for Innovation

Becoming A “Debt”-I Master: Controlling Your Next Municipal Debt Issuance Debt and Treasury Management (6 CPE – Technical) Location: Pacific D

Do you find your lack of faith disturbing? Are you eager to increase your confidence so you can avoid mistakes, understand the jargon and eventually replace your boss? This session will demystify the critical process of issuing municipal bonds by guiding participants through each step in a bond transaction. Topics are arranged chronologically, from the factors that lead an organization to decide to issue bonds to an organization’s postissuance responsibilities. Ways to structure your bond issuance, the bond market (including who buys bonds and what they look for when they do), securities disclosure, the credit rating process, and the bond pricing process will be addressed in detail. Panelists will provide the perspectives of a municipal bond issuer, a municipal advisor, a municipal bond underwriter, and bond counsel and offer the latest information about the state of the bond market and changes that have occurred over the last year. The session is intended to be useful both to participants who have never closed a bond issuance on behalf of their organizations and to those who wish to refresh their knowledge in light of changing market conditions, investor preferences, and the SEC’s increasing scrutiny of municipal bonds. Speakers:

Kevin Mascaro, Director of Finance, Western Municipal Water District Darren Hodge, Director, PFM Financial Advisors LLC Tyler Old, Executive Director, J.P. Morgan’s Public Finance Group Cyrus Torabi, Shareholder, Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth

The Art of Communicating for Finance Officers: Building the Skills to Speak and Write to Influence Decision Makers Leadership & Management (6 CPE – Non-Technical) Location: Sunset 1-3 Communicating to leadership or decision makers has long been a fear for the majority of our society. Finance Officers are no different. Working with numbers is second nature to everyone in municipal finance, but communicating about numbers to the people who make decisions is a different story. This pre-conference training will explore the vast nuances of communications, with an opportunity for all attendees to speak in front of their peers and write important content to be reviewed. This action-packed day will provide solid examples of how to turn fears into opportunities while being a successful communicator. In this session, we will dissect the intricacies of how to give a solid speech while breaking down the anxiety many feel when they stand in front of people. The fears of being embarrassed and looking foolish will be debunked. The art of creating a solid written communication will also be front and center because everyone knows that you have to be good at both speaking and writing to be successful in today’s government. Join us for a full and fun day of communicating – you won’t want to miss this one! Speaker:

Phil Bertolini, Vice President, Center for Digital Government, e.Republic

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Tuesday, February 15, 2022 1:30 pm – 4:15 pm Where do You Want to be Tomorrow, or Next Year? Career Advancement Through the Lens of Professionals Who can Help get You There Leadership & Management (3 CPE – Non-Technical) Location: Pacific E

This pre-conference session will focus on a panel discussion with a career advancement counselor, a local government recruiter, a private sector recruiter, and an experienced finance professional who will help participants navigate the following areas: • • • •

Developing a resume and cover letter that gets you noticed above other candidates. Showcasing your strengths through your education and networking. Understanding the tips to keep calm and showcase your capabilities during interviews. Finding ways to network with your peers and associations to build relationships, gather resources, and help you identify opportunities, including identifying resources within CSMFO.

This session is intended for those participants who want to start their career in the government sector, or who are looking to advance to the next position on their career ladder. Speakers:

Matthew E. Hawkesworth, Director of Finance, City of Pasadena Anton (Tony) Dahlerbruch, Chief Executive Officer, Peckham & McKenney Terra Saltzman-Baker, Recruiter, Accenture

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CALPERS ACTUARY MEETINGS (by appointment only) Wednesday, 8:30 am – 10:30 am, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, and 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Thursday, 8:30 am – 11:30 am and 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm Location: Palm 7&8

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2020

Registration Open – 7:30 am – 5:00 pm Early Bird Concurrent Sessions – 9:00 am – 10:15 am Exhibit Hall Opens – 9:30 am Coffee Break in Exhibit Hall – 10:15 am – 10:30 am Opening General Session, Featured Speaker & Lunch – 10:30 am – 12:45 pm Dessert Break in Exhibit Hall – 12:45 pm – 1:15 pm Concurrent Sessions – 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm Soda Break in Exhibit Hall – 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm Featured Speaker – 2:45 pm – 4:00 pm Concurrent Sessions – 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm Vendor Reception – 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

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EARLY BIRD SESSIONS Wednesday, February 16, 2022 9:00 am – 10:15 am 1.5 CPE The Coleman Report (will be recorded) (T – Technical) Location: Pacific A

Join us for an update on the latest in California local revenues, legislation, important legal cases, financial conditions and other issues of critical concern to city, county, and special district finance professionals. Hear about the rules and trends in taxes, fees, and other city revenues, the relationship with the state budget, problems, and prospects for reform. Get your questions answered about pressing fiscal issues facing local government entities. Speaker:

Moderator:

Michael Coleman, Fiscal Policy Advisor, California Society of Municipal Finance Officers and League of California Cities Jeff Muir, Director of Finance, City of Beverly Hills

Long-Range Financial Planning and Modeling (will be recorded) (T – Technical) Location: Pacific B

Does your agency want to be able to run funding scenarios during meetings with real time results and charts, projected out for future years (e.g., 10 years, 15 year, 20 years, etc.)? If the answer is yes, prepare your decision makers to make educated financial decisions by attending this presentation and learn how the City of Sacramento, Department of Utilities (DOU), has modernized long-range financial planning. In conjunction with Proposition 218 requirements, DOU has developed multiple funding scenarios for operations and capital improvement projects. Learn how to utilize a rate model software system to develop funding strategies for large capital projects that include a mix of utility rates, bonds, low-interest loans, and grants. Attendees will see a demonstration of the rate model software system implementation/best practices with key lessons learned from concept to operationalized best practices, including base cash flow summaries, key metrics, alternative scenarios, and initiatives. The base cash flow summaries reflect the beginning fund balances, revenues, expenditures, debt service, capital investments, and ending fund balances. The key metrics are targets configured into the system, updated in real time as alternative scenarios, and initiatives are toggled for “what-if” scenarios. These tools are proving to be a valuable resource for decision makers about long range financial planning initiatives. Speakers:

Moderator:

Dean Fujimoto, Long-Range Financial Planning Manager, City of Sacramento, Department of Utilities Chuong (Ryan) Pham, Business Services Manager, City of Sacramento, Department of Utilities Tyler Stratton, Capital Finance and Grants Manager, City of Sacramento, Department of Utilities Thomas Hays, Senior Financial Manager, Eastern Municipal Water District

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are Action Words (N – Non-Technical) Location: Palm 1-6

The public sector workforce demographics look much like the overall workforce demographics in terms of gender, race, and ethnicity. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is about more than statistics and mandatory training. It is about understanding and acknowledging that a healthy and productive organization needs to value the wide variety of social and cultural characteristics of its employees, provide the same compensation and opportunities for advancement, and create an environment that accepts and respects these differences. DEI programs cannot be passive statements and initiatives that rely on individuals to change on their own. Successful organizations provide resources, time, energy, and funding for practices that actively change the agency culture to one of inclusivity, recognition, and respect. Speakers:

Moderator:

Jeanette Juarez, Business Services Manager, Valley Sanitary District Beverli Marshall, General Manager, Valley Sanitary District Steve Heide, Finance Director, Chino Valley Fire District EXHIBIT HALL OPENS – 9:30 am Coffee Break – 10:15 am – 10:30 am Location: Town & Country Ballroom

OPENING GENERAL SESSION & FEATURED SPEAKER Wednesday, February 16, 2022 10:30 am – 11:45 am Ben Nemtin (will be recorded) (1 CPE, N – Non-Technical) Location: Golden State Ballroom

Whether you need to set bigger goals or reach the ones you already have, Ben will help you get from “ambition” to “accomplishment.” Ben’s message of radical possibility, combined with his “5 Steps to Make the Impossible Possible, ” will leave you not only inspired, but also equipped with tools to tackle the seemingly insurmountable. His system of achieving impossible goals demystifies daunting tasks by turning “dreams” into “projects” and creates inspiration through action and accountability. Each conference attendee will have the opportunity to “Discover” – Your Own Dreams and add them to our CSMFO “Dream Wall.” ***********************

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COMPLIMENTARY HEADSHOT STATION Wednesday, February 16 – 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm Thursday, February 17 – 7:30 am – 11:30 am and 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm LUNCH 11:45 am – 12:45 pm Location: Golden State Ballroom

DESSERT BREAK IN EXHIBIT HALL 12:45 pm – 1:15 pm Location: Town & Country Ballroom

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CONCURRENT SESSIONS Wednesday, February 16, 2022 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm 1.5 CPE Show Me More Money – Optimizing Revenues in a Post COVID-19 World (will be recorded) (T – Technical) Location: Pacific A

COVID-19 has been the most impactful singular event of this generation. While we are all anxious to be able to permanently shed our masks, the pandemic highlighted the need for government agencies to spend more on public health, safety, and preparedness. The costs of those services will need to be offset by growing revenues. While federal and state aid has been helpful, local governments can’t rely on that help forever. Incorporating these additional costs and impacts on other revenue sources into your budgets and long-term financial forecasts is the first step. Finding and growing revenues to offset these costs is the next. Public agencies have been facing more uncertainty than ever in the last 2 years. With additional demands on local governments to provide new and enhanced services to their constituents, growing revenues in the face of a strained retail environment will be more important than ever. In this session, we will take a deeper look at several areas in which government finance officers can positively impact their agencies revenues. Updating cost recovery and fee studies, taking a more active role in investing your idle cash, and uncovering some revenues that may be hidden within your agency’s municipal code are all examples of revenue generating activities where finance officers can take the lead. Speakers:

Moderator:

Michael Sylvia, Finance Director/Treasurer, City of Vista David Bilby, Senior Advisor, Kosmont Transactions Services, Inc. Sara Mares, Director, NBS Christie Donnelly, Financial Services Manager, City of Lompoc

Fantastic Fundamentals of Treasury Programs (will be recorded) (T – Technical) Location: Pacific D

Your entity’s treasury program has an important stewardship responsibility over taxpayer monies. Employing the proper fundamentals will ensure the program is meeting its three primary objectives of safety of principal, providing sufficient liquidity, and earning a market rate of investment income. This presentation will provide information on the following: optional duration (interest rate risk) for the portfolio, important tasks you should accomplish to ensure asset/liability matching, determining whether credit is worth the risk, what impact should Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement 31 have on your investment decisions, how to “tell the story” of the investment program to the various stakeholders, why generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) are an important part of reporting, and various ways to benchmark performance to check your score against the market. Speakers:

Moderator:

Kent Morris, Chief Investment Officer, City of San Diego Rick Phillips, President, FHN Main Street Advisors Kristopher Ryan, Finance Officer, City of Laguna Beach

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Priority Based Budgeting: Aligning Resources with Strategic Results (T – Technical) Location: Pacific C

Challenges facing local governments today literally require a new way to see. It’s as if our vision has been blurred by the extraordinary stress of managing in this complex economic environment. Whether attempting to rebuild in a post-recession climate, persevering through another year of stagnating or declining revenues, or managing through a pandemic, the challenge remains: how to allocate scarce resources to achieve our community’s highest priorities. While serving as a local government practitioner, Jon Johnson co-developed the process and tools needed to successfully implement Priority Based Budgeting. The process was developed in a local government environment and designed to meet the needs that are uniquely specific to municipal agencies. He co-created this process to address the belief that there needed to be a methodology that would successfully link the stated strategic priorities that an organization strives to accomplish with the way resource allocation decisions are made through the budget process. Speaker: Moderator:

Jon Johnson, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Alliance for Innovation David Cain, Retired Finance Director/Treasurer, City of Fountain Valley

Federal Legislative and Regulatory Update: What You Need to Know About Post-Stimulus Fallout and Infrastructure Opportunities (T – Technical) Location: Pacific E

The second year of the 117th Congress has a different character than the first; 2021’s legislative commotion brings with it the tedious task of maintaining regulatory reporting and carrying out infrastructure goals in the wake of a series of massive spending bills. In this session, hear about the priorities of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), along with the most up-to-date information from California’s congressional delegation, as well as our partners at the United States Treasury, FEMA, and DHS. Speaker: Moderator:

Emily Brock, Director, Federal Liaison Center, Government Finance Officers Association Margaret Moggia, Executive Manager of Finance, West Basin Municipal Water District

Effective Project Management (T – Technical) Location: Palm 1-3

While it may seem like project management is the domain of the engineering staff, the fact is that finance officers are responsible for developing and executing projects all the time, including new financial management systems, audits, annual report preparation, and the budget process. It may be cliché, but it’s true: failing to plan is planning to fail. When projects go badly, it is almost always due to one of two factors (or a “perfect storm” combination of both): poor planning or poor implementation of the plan. This session will provide practical, real-world tips on how to better manage projects through more effective planning and follow-up execution of the plan. Speaker:

Moderator:

Bill Statler, Consultant/Retired Director of Finance & Information Technology, City of San Luis Obispo Nick Kurns, Finance and Customer Service Manager, Scotts Valley Water District SODA BREAK IN EXHIBIT HALL 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm Location: Town & Country Ballroom

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FEATURED SPEAKER Wednesday, February 16, 2022 2:45 pm – 4:00 pm Economic Outlook – Lindsey M. Piegza, Ph.D. (will be recorded) Managing Director, Chief Economist, Stifel Nicolaus & Company (1.5 CPE, T – Technical) Location: Golden State Ballroom

Last year during our virtual conference, Dr. Lindsey Piegza gave a very well received Economic Outlook at one of our concurrent sessions. With economics playing such a big role in our agencies today, we have invited Lindsey to share her current economic insights with all our conference attendees as one of our featured speakers. She will look at the current state of the economy amid the pandemic and what it means going forward for overall growth, interest rates, and monetary policy. She will also examine the changing global and political environment and how it will affect the economic recovery going forward. Join us for this significant session on the economy. CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Wednesday, February 16, 2022 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm 1.5 CPE Leadership Skills to Build Trust – an Asset More Important than any on Your Balance Sheet (will be recorded) (N – Non-technical) Location: Pacific A Leaders cannot be successful, especially in the rapidly changing environment our communities face today, without building a culture of trust. This session will tap into the latest research about leadership to provide you resources and tools you can use to survive and thrive in these volatile times. Speaker: Moderator:

Chris Morrill, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Government Finance Officers Association David Persselin, Finance Director, City of Fremont

Are You Ready for Your Auditor? (will be recorded) (A – Accounting & Auditing, G – Government) Location: Pacific D

The auditors are coming! Are you ready? This session will outline a plan to make sure you are ready for your annual financial statement audit. We will go through a general timeline of the audit process and steps that you can take along the way to make sure everything goes smoothly. Remote audit is now an option for many. What are the pros and cons of doing a remote audit, or potentially a hybrid, during a “normal” year? We will explore and provide examples of how it can work efficiently and effectively. Speakers:

Moderator:

Alberto Preciado, Accounting Manager, Citrus Heights Water District David Alvey, Vice-President, Maze & Associates Stephanie Reimer, Assistant General Manager/Chief Financial Officer, Monte Vista Water District

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Revenue Recovery – From Riches to Rags, and Back to Riches? (T – Technical) Location: Pacific C

From pandemic impacts to recent changes in the allocation of tax increment funds post-RDA, the City of Belmont was inundated with revenue challenges. This case study will illustrate the importance of utilizing a variety of revenue-raising tools, accurate long-term forecasting, and adaptability to the changing economy. The panel will address various specific measures the City of Belmont has taken to address the revenue issues with which it has been faced. Speakers:

Moderator:

Grace Castaneda, Finance Director, City of Belmont Sara Mares, Director, NBS Tracy Vesely, Principal, HdL Companies Debbie Rosales, Financial Analyst II, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District

Emergency Management Response Plan – Are You Ready? (T – Technical) Location: Pacific E

Earthquakes, fires, floods, terrorist attacks…Disasters happen in cities, towns, and counties of all sizes where local government managers and elected officials are expected to lead the immediate response, guide the recovery, and reassure the community that life can be normal again. In this session, you will learn the four phases of emergency management – preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation – before a disaster occurs. Is your Finance Office prepared to respond and able to continue operating after a disaster? Will city/county services continue to run smoothly on-line? Will revenue continue to flow in? We can help you get prepared to continue operations on the web/remotely. Speakers:

Moderator:

Ryan Buras, Deputy Director of Recovery, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Robert Pesapane, Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer-COVID-19 Operations, Federal Emergency Management Agency Reva Feldman, Senior Advisor, Avenu Insights & Analytics Stephen Parker, Assistant City Manager, City of Upland

Rising Cyber Risks Pose Increased Credit Challenges for State and Local Governments (T – Technical) Location: Palm 1-3

The recent high profile cyberattacks point to the evolving nature of municipal cyber risk. As the frequency of cyber-attacks on state and local governments continues to rise, the cost and impacts of cyber events could have a meaningful impact on municipal entities. In addition, technology investment and insurance costs are expected to play a larger role within a municipality’s budgetary practices. The costs of successful cyber incidents have also been steadily increasing as the cyber risk landscape has continued to evolve. This trend emphasizes that cyber events could pose meaningful financial risks that could have an effect on municipal credit quality. Our panel of experts will explore the tangible and intangible costs of cyber breaches and the impact of cyber risk mitigation on overall credit quality. Speakers:

Moderator:

Darren Bennett, Chief Information Security Officer, City of San Diego Lakshmi Kommi, Director of Debt Management, City of San Diego Omid Rahmani, Associate Director-Cyber, Fitch Ratings Pamela Arends-King, Assistant General Manager/Chief Financial Officer, South Coast Water District

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Building Sustainable Infrastructure: Promoting Positive Social, Economic, and Environmental Impacts (T – Technical) Location: Palm 4-6

Sustainable infrastructure development considers a project’s impact on the economy, environment, and society in every stage of the life cycle: planning, design, construction, operation, and possible decommissioning. The infrastructure projects that move forward provide positive social and environment benefits while ensuring economic feasibility. Panelists will discuss the development and financing process as well as strategies to integrate community involvement. Panelists may discuss the integration of sustainability benchmarks (key performance indicators, for example) in project progression. Speakers:

Moderator:

Mark Beltran, Senior Civil Engineer, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Sean Charpentier, Executive Director, City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County Bryant Jenkins, Principal, Sperry Capital Margaret O’Brien, Revenue & Tax Administrator, City of Oakland

CalPERS Actuarial Information/Valuations 101 (T – Technical) Location: Sunset 1-3

With the recent increased attention to the unfunded accrued liabilities of pension plans, pension obligation bonds (POBs), and other financing options, finance practitioners need to become well-versed in how to read actuarial reports, including basic terms, methodology, and information essential to determining your pension plan contribution requirements and funded status. This session will explain what you need to know in clear terms and will help you translate this complex information for decision makers, employees, bargaining units, and the public. Speaker: Moderator:

Eddie Lee, Senior Pension Actuary, California Public Employees’ Retirement System Marcus Pimentel, Budget Manager, County of Santa Cruz VENDOR RECEPTION Wednesday, February 16, 2022 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Location: Town & Country Ballroom THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Yoga – 6:30 am – 7:15 am Registration Open – 7:30 am – 5:00 pm Special Coffee and Breakfast in Exhibit Hall – 7:30 am – 8:30 am Exhibit Hall Open – 7:30 am – 4:00 pm Concurrent Sessions – 8:30 am – 9:45 am Concurrent Sessions – 10:00 am – 11:15 am Featured Speaker & Lunch – 11:30 am – 1:45 pm Concurrent Sessions – 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm Dessert Reception in Exhibit Hall – 3:15 pm – 4:00 pm Concurrent Sessions – 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm Thursday Night Event – 6:00 pm – 12:00 am YOGA Thursday, February 17, 2022 6:30 am – 7:15 am Location: Pacific F/G

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CONCURRENT SESSIONS Thursday, February 17, 2022 8:30 am – 9:45 am 1.5 CPE Critical Concepts of Accounting for Capital Assets (will be recorded) (A – Accounting & Auditing, G – Government) Location: Pacific A

This session will provide a review of the basics and selected advanced concepts and practical approaches to accounting for capital assets. Capital assets include major government facilities, infrastructure, equipment, and networks, as well as intangible assets that enable the delivery of public sector services. Accounting for capital assets requires internal control procedures to comply with various accounting requirements, and collaboration with other departments of the government to gather and understand pertinent information. The intended outcome of the session will be a high-level understanding of the transaction cycle and an introduction to advanced concepts frequently encountered. Speaker: Moderator:

Michele Mark Levine, Director of Technical Services, Government Finance Officers Association Dennis Kauffman, Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial Officer, City of Roseville

Two Budget Practitioners – Feedback on your Budget(s) (will be recorded) (T – Technical) Location: Pacific D

Whether you are a budget novice or a seasoned expert, it is always helpful to have someone else give you feedback on your budget document and process. What is better than having two long time budget practitioners give you helpful budget tips along with several traps and tricks. Be willing to be a visionary and think outside the box. You will take away information about the role unions and human resources play in your budget process. You will be able to evaluate the full cost of running your organization or creating a budget document that is complete and tells your story. You will learn to think long-term and strategically while knowing what to measure. Finally, take away some tools to declutter your budget process. Speakers:

Moderator:

David Cain, Retired Finance Director/Treasurer, City of Fountain Valley Russ Branson, Founder, Russ Branson Consulting Veronica Bustillos, Finance Manager, San Bernardino Municipal Water Department

A Practical Approach – Utility Users Tax Administration and Lessons Learned (T – Technical) Location: Pacific C

In this session, you will learn some best practices for managing the utility users tax (UUT) portfolio in your agency. In addition, you will hear from one city about the experience, the benefits, and the frustrations of turning over the administration of a UUT to a third party in a public-private partnership. This perspective will be shared from the perspectives of both the city and the business partner. Finally, you will hear some industry perspective and some history on why the revenue fluctuates and why local governments have seen significant declines over the last several years. Speakers:

Moderator:

Brigitte Elke, Finance Director, City of San Luis Obispo Victoria Beatley, Principal, HdL Companies Kofi Antobam, Director of Administrative Services, City of Rancho Mirage

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Advanced Tools for Managing Pension Costs and UAL (T – Technical) Location: Pacific E

CalPERS pension costs for local government employers present a challenge to even the most skilled and disciplined financial professionals. The topic is complex, with an array of terms, gray-areas, and differing viewpoints on the best strategic approach. What may work well for one employer may be entirely wrong for another, based on their plans’ particular demographics or economic circumstances. In this session, a CalPERS actuary will dive into the deeper waters of pension cost management and strategy. The goal is to equip employers with the technical acumen and tools they need to make the best decision for their particular agency, members and plans. Special attention will be given to two tools CalPERS has developed to help agencies make the most informed decisions possible: • •

Pension Outlook tool, which models rates based on variable discount rates, investment returns, and Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) membership, and Managing Employer Contributions, a customized spreadsheet that incorporates all of your plans’ actuarial bases and options like early pay-offs, additional discretionary payments (ADPs), and “soft fresh starts.”

This will be a highly valuable session for those who have already built a firm foundation and understanding of pension costs, and are now focused on positioning their agencies to best manage those costs. Speaker: Moderator:

Randall (Randy) Dziubek, Deputy Chief Actuary, California Public Employees’ Retirement System Karan Reid, Director of Finance, City of Concord

How to Handle Buyer’s Remorse as Interest Rates Rise (T – Technical) Location: Palm 1-3

If you’re having rate hike déjà vu, that familiar feeling is from 2013, when interest rates were historically low and the Fed began to unwind its accommodative measures. When that happens, interest rates rise and bond prices fall, negatively impacting market values, and it’s common for public agency investors and their stakeholders to second guess investments purchased during the lower yielding environment. For public agency staff internally, market value fluctuations can also raise questions around spending and annual reporting. During this session, we’ll revisit how the Fed unwound its policies after the last financial crisis – lessons you can reference with your team and stakeholders – and what similarities or differences we may see this time. What did investors do last time that paid off in the long run? We’ll offer practical takeaways for communicating with your council or board and what you can expect when preparing your annual reports during a rising interest rate environment. Speakers:

Moderator:

Christine Andrews, Assistant Director of Finance and Information Systems, City of Brentwood Kyle Jones, Managing Director/Co-Head of Portfolio Strategies Group, PFM Asset Management LLC Monique Spyke, Managing Director/Co-Head of California Practice, PFM Asset Management LLC Grace Castaneda, Finance Director, City of Belmont

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Technology Master Planning – Maximize Your Tech Investments (T – Technical) Location: Palm 4-6

This session is designed to outline how you can maximize your technology investments agency-wide through the development of a comprehensive Technology Master Plan, not just strategies. Learn the answers to these and many more questions: • • • • • • • • • •

How to measure the quality and service IT provides to departments. What are the cost-benefits or return on investment (ROI) from technology projects? What are the key factors that determine the right IT size for an agency? How to best prioritize technology projects. Identify realistic Smart Technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT) Understand when a departmental system must be replaced versus improved. Key best practices that minimize cost. What benefit is technology delivering to our residents? Critical cybersecurity initiatives no agency should be without. Simplified disaster recover planning.

The best Technology Master Plan provides more than a mission/vision statement or goals and objectives. A master plan must be actionable steps while aligning with the agency’s strategic framework, including: • • • • • • • •

Actions required to meet goals and objectives Human and financial resource needs Best practices and proven approaches to ensure success and mitigating risk Budget for plan initiatives – capital and expense Prioritized initiatives and projects Realistic implementation timelines Measurements for success and performance tracking IT governance model to create a living Technology Master Plan

Speakers: Moderator:

Janelle Rau, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, County of Mendocino David Krout, Managing Partner-Management Consulting Practice Leader, ClientFirst Consulting Group LLC James Russell-Field, Director of Administrative Services, Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District

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Thursday, February 17, 2022 10:00 am – 11:15 am 1.5 CPE A 360 View of OPEB Trusts and Why They Work (will be recorded) (T – Technical) Location: Pacific A

This session will discuss how funding an other postemployment benefits (OPEB) trust can help your agency’s balance sheet and where to begin. We’ll explore how to fund your OPEB, the flexibility allowed when investing your OPEB trust, and the financial reporting impacts. Our panel will review how to establish a funding plan, highlighting investment strategies allowed by the California Government Code for longer term liabilities, and when to consider drawing from the trust. Our discussion will consider how Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) rules now require OPEB to be upfront in your financials. We’ll also address key questions we see come up as agencies consider an OPEB trust: • • •

How will funding your OPEB change rating agency perceptions? How about perceptions of general governance? How can you manage your investment and funding strategies and communicate with stakeholders during volatile markets?

Join us as our panelists provide insight from their varying perspectives. Speakers:

Moderator:

Dennis Kauffman, Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial Officer, City of Roseville Ellen Clark, Director, Multi-Asset Class Portfolio Strategist, PFM Asset Management LLC Mary Beth Redding, Vice President, Bartel Associates LLC Dennis Kauffman, Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial Officer, City of Roseville

Public Speaking for Financial Folks (will be recorded) (N – Non-technical) Location: Pacific D

Impactful and memorable public speaking is both an art and a skill. Without it, your message can be ignored, diluted, or not taken as seriously. In addition, it is an essential part of leadership! Learn what it takes to overcome your fear of public speaking and to be more effective at it. And as a financial professional, you need people to listen to you! This presentation breaks down into bite-size and actionable chunks what to do. The session is engaging with exercises that move you around and interact with others. Here are some major take-aways from the session: • • • •

Master how to be more calm and confident before, during, and after a presentation. Understand what your body is conveying to the audience without you even realizing it. Do these three things before every presentation to feel more confident. Learn how to express yourself as a leader that others will want to follow.

Learn, master, and have fun! Speaker: Moderator:

Steve Yu, Chief Financial Officer, UCLA School of Law Daniel Buffalo, Finance Director, City of Ukiah

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Opposites Attract: Cultivating Trust, Teamwork, and Collaboration between Finance and Human Resources (N – Non-technical) Location: Pacific C In this session, professionals will share how developing an interdepartmental relationship between Finance and Human Resources will result in streamlined operations, increased productivity, and leadership development. Speakers:

Moderator:

Noah Daniels, Finance Director, City of Rancho Cucamonga Jenifer Phillips, Deputy Director of Human Resources, City of Rancho Cucamonga Daphne Anneet, Partner, Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP Christina Crosby, Budget Manager, East Bay Regional Park District

The Post-COVID Revenue Cookie Jar for Cities (T – Technical) Location: Palm 1-3

It’s no secret that consumer spending patterns and private investment are shifting in a post-COVID world, with impacts on what were once reliable municipal revenue sources. More important than ever, there are some economic development-related platforms with pockets of revenues and value that finance professionals should be aware of that this session will explore. For example, surplus property can be sold but must meet new surplus land act (SLA) regulations. Cities can lease land, as well, which also comes with SLA mandates. Also, there are a series of value capture tools, such as special tax increment districts like enhanced infrastructure financing districts (EIFDs), that are worth evaluating for long-term fiscal upside. The newest “currency” for cities is zoning and entitlements in a post-COVID world, where the shift from retail to residential and industrial and the reimagination of large regional retail centers is ramping up zone change requests from the private sector, and how such requests can be a “cookie jar” of financial revenue and value for cities. Speakers:

Moderator:

Damien Arrula, City Administrator, City of Placentia Larry Kosmont, President, Kosmont Transactions Services, Inc. Ernie Reyna, Deputy City Manager, City of Perris

A Fundamental of Municipal Debt: Lease Financing in California (T – Technical) Location: Palm 4-6

Leasing as a tool of public finance plays a special role in California, where a particularly high voter threshold for approving “indebtedness” and a history of accommodating court decisions combine to provide the most important tool for the long-term financing of general fund capital expenditures. While many of the legal and market requirements are now well-established, this tried and true financing tool continues to evolve. Understanding this tool is essential for any public servant, elected official, or citizen interested in the workings of local and State government in California. The California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission is preparing a future publication on this topic, designed to replace a document that is now 30 years old. The participating panelists have been guiding this effort and will share this refreshed view of a time-tested tool. Speakers:

Moderator:

Robert Berry, Executive Director, California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission Nikolai J. Sklaroff, Deputy Director of Finance, Debt and Treasury Management, City of San Jose David Brodsly, Managing Director, KNN Public Finance Michael Gomez, Deputy Finance Director, City of Newport Beach

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California Local Government Investing in a post-COVID World (T – Technical) Location: Sunset 1-3

A famous American scientist once said, “The only dumb question is the question you don’t ask!” As a local government investor, do you find yourself confused as you listen to the media, your peers, and thought leaders discuss the following questions: • • • • •

What is the FOMC dot plot and how can I use it to help form my ARPA funds investment strategy? If the Federal Reserve adjusts the interest on excess reserves (IOER) rate, will that impact my portfolio – and how or why? Now that the Fed has changed its policy on the supplementary leverage ratio (SLR) for banks, how will that impact my portfolio strategy? How is my portfolio positively impacted from the change in the definition of an Accredited Investor? How will pending inflation affect the fixed income markets and what should I do now in terms of strategy?

The landscape, language, and concepts in the local government fixed income marketplace have changed quickly and dramatically as we enter a post-COVID world. Now is the time to become familiar with the acronyms, the investment concepts, and strategies so you can strategically position your portfolio for the future. This session will review the impact of COVID on local government revenues and how stimulus, ARPA, and pending infrastructure plans will impact the fixed income markets and California investors. This session will also provide an educational overview of many of the entities, programs, legislation, language, and market phenomena that are impacting the fixed income markets. Finally, this session will explore and review investment strategies you can employ today to prepare for the drastically changing landscape of the short-term fixed income world. Speakers:

Moderator:

Hubert White, Chief Investment Officer, City and County of San Francisco Laura Glenn, Director of Investment Advisory Services, Public Trust Advisors Thomas Tight, Managing Director, Public Trust Advisors Michael Solorza, Director of Finance, City of Montebello FEATURED SPEAKER

Thursday, February 17, 2022 11:30 am – 12:45 pm Chuck Gallagher (1 CPE, E – Ethics) Location: Golden State Ballroom

Ethics in the workplace is a serious matter, but talking about it doesn’t have to be “business as usual.” Chuck Gallagher learned a lesson about ethics, choices, and consequences the hard way – but now he shares his experience so that others don’t have to go down the same road. Each choice we make and each step we take provides the foundation for our future. Wherever you are right now – regardless of the circumstance – your choices define who you are and the outcomes you will live. While your employees may be aware of this on some level, do they truly realize the power behind the choices they make on a daily basis? More importantly, what’s the risk to your organization if they don’t? In this compelling presentation, Chuck starts by setting the scene with his own story…and ends by setting the stage for your organization’s ethical success.

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LUNCH 12:45 pm – 1:45 pm Location: Golden State Ballroom CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Thursday, February 17, 2022 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm 1.5 CPE CalPERS – the Charted Course Forward for Pensions (will be recorded) (T – Technical) Location: Pacific A

The issue of pension costs for local agencies has loomed large in California for many years. In the most recent fiscal year, amidst all the challenges of COVID-19, CalPERS investments more than tripled the expected rate of return, providing some relief for projected future employer contribution rates in a time of deepest challenge. But prudent decision-making requires a more realistic view of probable future investment performance, using the best possible tools and industry experts to forecast what the retirement fund is most likely to return in the near- and long-term. In this session, CalPERS Chief Financial Officer Michael Cohen will explain how the global financial market outlook, local government fiscal realities, and the California political landscape itself were the subject of intense scrutiny and consideration by the CalPERS Board and staff in the recently completed Asset Liability Management (ALM) process, culminating in the selection of the discount rate. Special attention will be paid to the impacts on projected employer contribution rates, Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) employee contribution changes, unfunded liabilities, and the timeline for implementing strategic asset allocation changes in the portfolio. Speaker: Moderator

Michael Cohen, Chief Financial Officer, California Public Employees’ Retirement System Rich Lee, Finance Director, City of San Mateo

Insights from Lease Implementation (will be recorded) (A – Accounting & Auditing, G – Government) Location: Pacific D

The implementation date for Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 87, Leases, which was extended 18 months due to GASB’s postponement standard because of COVID-19, has provided a long runway for lease implementation. Well, we are finally here! Join us for insights on lease implementation. We will share our collective experiences navigating through the challenges of implementing the requirements of the new lease standards. We will cover everything from identifying leases to reporting them in the annual comprehensive financial statements. GASB 87 is a wholesale change from existing lease guidance and requires careful consideration as you apply the new standards to your organization. Speakers:

Moderator:

Craig Boyer, Assistant Controller, County of Alameda David Bullock, Partner, Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP Craig Boyer, Assistant Controller, County of Alameda

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The Many Faces of Fraud: The Three Components of Most Frauds and How Forensic Accounting Could have Prevented Them. (F – Fraud) Location: Pacific C Bernie Madoff, Scott London, Aaron Beam – what do these three men have in common? The answer may not be so obvious, but each if asked, many years back, the question: “Would you voluntarily make a decision that could ruin your professional life?” – the answer would likely be a resounding “NO!” Yet each of these and many others discussed did that very thing. In his unusually authentic style, Chuck reveals the consequences of the unethical decisions he made in his own attempt to build the great American dream for himself and his family. This powerful fraud presentation is filled with unforgettable messages of success and failure, illusions and reality, and choices and consequences. In this session, you will discover the following: • • • •

How easy it is for smart people to make dumb choices—and what to do about it. The three components of the typical financial fraud and how they apply to the fraudster. The three components of what motivates a victim to be drawn into a financial fraud. Real-world practical examples of how to use forensic accounting to prevent financial fraud.

Speaker: Moderator:

Chuck Gallagher, Business Ethics and Fraud Expert David Cain, Retired Finance Director/Treasurer, City of Fountain Valley

Operationalizing Equity in Budget Development – Charting New Routes to Delivering Responsive Governance (T – Technical) Location: Pacific E

The topic of racial equity in government has sparked renewed public interest in examining how local governments can advance better outcomes in the existing racial disparities between white residents and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) residents. A city’s budget is one of the most important policy documents, and is under increasing public demand to account for how it distributes services and resources to residents in fair and just ways. This panel will discuss how racial equity can be operationalized in a city’s budget development process by presenting how the City of Oakland integrated equity through its entire budget process. City of Oakland staff will explain the racial equity framework that guided their approach, the tools they developed to initiate all fiscal staff in equity analysis, and the process they designed to ensure that racial equity was considered at every step of the budget process. The result of this work is that the City of Oakland published for the first time in its budget documents equity analysis on all significant budgetary changes for the public to digest, review, and debate. The staff that led this initiative has been collecting feedback internally on how to improve the process and will share lessons learned in the presentation.

The presenting team will give an in-depth appraisal of how racial equity can be more fully incorporated into municipal budget development. Attendees will receive grounding in principles of racial equity, change management practices, and a blueprint for integrating equity into their next budget cycle. This will be a handson session geared towards equipping attendees with knowledge and tools to begin strategically planning for the implementation of their own operationalization of racial equity. By attending this session, attendees will walk away with a deeper orientation on racial equity and how they can facilitate racial equity as a process to implement more responsive and transparent governance. Speakers:

Moderator:

Ecaterina Burton, Senior Budget and Management Analyst, City of Oakland Darlene Flynn, Director of the Department of Race & Equity, City of Oakland Margaret O’Brien, Revenue & Tax Administrator, City of Oakland

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Benchmarking: A Better Tool for Success Than You Think (T – Technical) Location: Palm 1-3

Like many of you, I was “from Missouri” (i.e., very skeptical!) about the value of “benchmarking” (comparing my city with others). Every agency is unique (especially “my city”). After all, there are 482 cities and thousands of special districts. However, I’ve learned that when carefully prepared, benchmark analysis can be a powerful tool in measuring performance and assessing organizational accountability in a wide range of topics, including fiscal policies, staffing, organizational structure, and achieving goals. Making meaningful comparisons requires carefully selecting both the data that will be collected (“metrics”) and the benchmark agencies to ensure they represent as close a match to your organization as possible, recognizing that a “perfect” match is not possible. This session will present how benchmarking results can be powerful in identifying strengths as well as areas for improvement. It will also present critical success factors for effective benchmarking, such as: • • • • •

Establishing the benchmarks (what will be compared) Identifying the benchmark group Collecting data (and ensuring its reliability/comparability) Analyzing your agency’s current position Incorporating results into findings and recommendations

Speaker:

Moderator:

Bill Statler, Consultant/Retired Director of Finance & Information Technology, City of San Luis Obispo Kim Scott, Finance Manager-Accounting, City of Victorville

Evaluating Proposals for Investment Advisory Services: How to Differentiate when Everything Sounds the Same (T – Technical) Location: Palm 4-6

Public agencies in California and nationwide are continuously evaluating their investment programs and their choices of investment advisers. While it can be a tedious and time-consuming process, the request for proposal process is a best practice and primary facilitator in ensuring a competitive, merit-based selection of an investment adviser. In this session, we will discuss how to differentiate between responses and more clearly define how a firm’s experience, investment process, reporting capabilities, and risk controls meet your needs and fulfill your entity’s requirements. Our professionals will define some key metrics used to evaluate providers of investment services, information that is identifiable in the Form ADV and GIPS Compliant Reports, and enable your evaluation committee to make a decision that best fits your needs, financial goals, and mission. Speakers:

Moderator:

Javier Carcamo, Director of Finance, City of Murrieta Joseph Kolinsky, Chief Compliance Officer, Chandler Asset Management Karla Romero, Finance Director/Treasurer, City of Brawley DESSERT BREAK IN EXHIBIT HALL 3:15 pm – 4:00 pm Location: Town & County Ballroom CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Thursday, February 17, 2022 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm 1.5 CPE

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Cyber Security – A Growing Risk: What You Should Know and Do (will be recorded) (T – Technical) Location: Pacific A

Cyber security risks are rapidly expanding across all industries public and private. Malware, ransomware, password theft, phishing, inadvertent disclosure, and other cyber threats are dramatically on the rise. These threats are increasingly complex. As a result, cyber liability insurance markets are rapidly changing. Insurers expect agencies to have robust security systems and protocols. This trend will undoubtedly continue for the foreseeable future. In this session, you will hear from one of the state’s premier municipal insurance pools and a top southern California attorney skilled in data breach prevention and response. You will learn about the rapidly changing environment, what you should be doing to protect your agency and your systems, and what you should immediately do if your agency is a victim of an attack. Speakers:

Moderator:

Jason McBride, Finance Director, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority Scott Koller, Partner, Baker Hostetler Don Patterson, Director of Finance and Administration, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District

Effective Communication of your Agency’s Investment Results to Stakeholders (will be recorded) (T – Technical) Location: Pacific D

Presenting timely financial information in a clear and concise format is critical for communicating with internal staff and external stakeholders, such as constituents, city councils, other governing bodies, and investors. In this session, attendees will learn how to communicate the key elements of your investment program as well as explore the content and frequency of reports to improve communication and promote transparency. Increased, effective reporting creates better decision making, stronger planning and analysis, and deeper relationships with stakeholders. It can also streamline the budget and year-end financial process. Speakers:

Moderator:

Lauren Warrem, Chief Deputy Treasurer, County of San Diego Christopher McCarry, Senior Portfolio Strategist, Chandler Asset Management Carlos Oblites, Senior Portfolio Strategist, Chandler Asset Management Craig Boyer, Assistant Controller, County of Alameda

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Financial Transparency and Equity in the Age of COVID-19 (T – Technical) Location: Pacific C

The Office of the Controller for the City of Los Angeles manages vast amounts of data – particularly open data and financial data. Years ago, organizations that rank the transparency of governments placed Los Angeles at the bottom of the list. Today, the City is ranked at the top. Greater transparency has created greater accountability and helped to build the public’s trust, all of which is vital to a thriving democracy. Thanks to technology, the daily activities of city departments are changing radically, increasing efficiency in operations and the delivery of vital services. We must continue to be innovative and bring technology to city government, along with different ways of thinking about it. Accordingly, we developed a multi-faceted digital toolbox of the following items:

1) American Rescue Plan Tracker: a tool tracking how COVID-19 relief dollars are being spent. The tracker provides a visual tally of City spending during the crisis overall and allows users to explore costs by department/filter expenditures by month. 2) COVID-19 Resource Hub: contains data and information to help Los Angeles residents and businesses make it through the coronavirus pandemic; the dashboard tracks the COVID-19 vaccination effort, along with data on new virus cases and deaths by community, age, ethnicity and gender. 3) L.A. Equity Index: this interactive online tool measures structural disparities and barriers to opportunity in the City of Los Angeles, particularly through the lens of the global pandemic. With the tools outlined above, we have achieved more transparency, more accessibility, and more equity in our city. Speaker: Moderator:

Ron Galperin, Controller, City of Los Angeles John Adams, Chief Financial Officer, Eastern Municipal Water District

Is the 2022 Economic Forecast Trending the Right Way? (T – Technical) Location: Pacific E

For over 60 years, the UCLA Anderson Forecast has provided forecasts for the economies of California and across the country, and is recognized as one of the most accurate, widely followed, and frequently cited in the state. Avenu Insights & Analytics has been providing regional and local forecasts and trends in California for over 40 years. Together, they will provide a comprehensive macro and micro forecast for cities and what to expect next. Join us as they present their 2022 Economic Outlook, which includes valuable insight and explanation behind the numbers and trends, and will be followed by a Q&A session. Speakers:

Moderator:

Dr. Leila Bengali, Economist, UCLA Anderson Forecast Fran Mancia, Vice President of Government Relations, Avenu Insights & Analytics Viki Copeland, Finance Director, City of Hermosa Beach

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How to Handle Complicated Contract Costing Conversations (T – Technical) Location: Palm 1-3

Conversations around labor costs can be complicated and controversial. This session will explore those costing elements that agencies may need to address as these discussions occur both within the agency, with the governing body, and across the table in bargaining with labor. Understanding costing assumptions, methodology, and compensation components that tie to talks at the table will be reviewed. Join us as we share insights into one of our favorite topics – costing labor contracts! Speakers:

Moderator:

Kim Sitton, Finance Manager, City of Corona Peter Brown, Partner, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore Michelle Bannigan, Finance Director, City of Stanton

Promises and Pitfalls of American Rescue Plan Grants & Others! (A – Accounting & Auditing, G – Government) Location: Palm 4-6

The American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law on March 11, 2021, delivers $65 billion of aid to cities and towns across the United States, including $8 billion for California cities. This provides much-needed relief to our communities, but also comes with several compliance criteria that aren’t always clear. To avoid the pitfalls of noncompliance and realize the promises of federal grant relief funding, join our session to hear unique perspectives from a grant manager and a grant auditor. Speakers:

Moderator:

Eric Russell, Deputy Finance Director-Asset Management, City of Columbus, Ohio Katherine Lai, Partner, Crowe Barbara Arenado, Deputy Director-Financial Management and Strategic Planning, City of Irvine THURSDAY NIGHT DINNER SHOW & LATE-NIGHT COMEDY Thursday, February 17, 2022 6:00 pm – 12:00 midnight Location: Flamingo Lawn, Golden State Ballroom, Lapper

Close out an amazing week with us at our hosted retro extravaganza! Join together for our last night on the lawn and in the private dining room as we say farewell. Meet up with other CSMFO colleagues on the Flamingo Lawn at 6:00 pm for cocktails, appetizers, music, and lawn games. At 7:00 pm, we’ll move inside for a plated dinner and a show hosted by the Master of Ceremonies, comedian Chris Strait. Listen to upbeat music from the Mighty Untouchables, be a part of the magic with Rick Smith, Jr., and close out the night with comedy and dancing!

CSMFO ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 Registration Open – 7:30 am – 10:30 am Breakfast – 8:00 am – 9:00 am Concurrent Sessions – 9:00 am – 10:15 am Closing General Session & Featured Speaker – 10:30 am – 12:00 pm BREAKFAST Friday, February 18, 2022 8:00 am – 9:00 am Location: Golden State Ballroom CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Friday, February 18, 2022 9:00 am – 10:15 am 1.5 CPE Discover GFOA Best Practices (will be recorded) (A – Accounting & Auditing, G – Government) Location: Pacific D

This session will introduce you to the GFOA Best Practices that identify specific policies and procedures that contribute to improved government management. They aim to promote and facilitate positive change or recognize excellence, rather than merely to codify current accepted practice. The session will focus on the accounting and financial reporting best practices and will provide a brief overview of the best practices for other areas of financial management (budget, capital planning, debt management, economic development, treasury and investment management, pension and benefit administration, procurement, and risk assessment). Speaker: Moderator:

Michele Mark Levine, Director of Technical Services, Government Finance Officers Association Li Zhang, Deputy Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer, Transportation Authority of Marin

Prevent Cyber Attacks Against Your Organization (T – Technical) Location: Pacific C

It’s a crisp Monday morning, and you’ve just arrived at the office to get an early jumpstart on your week. All is quiet, and steam curls up from your warm cup of coffee. Fingers poised, you prepare to dive into work when an unfamiliar login screen pops up. Something isn’t right. You know the telltale signs, and this is what you’ve been trained for. Your firm is the victim of a cyber hack. What do you do? Who do you call? Where do your most critical IT infrastructure assets reside? It’s easy to think this won’t happen to you, but with cybercrime continuing to escalate, the issue isn’t if you will be attacked, it is when. In today’s digitally connected world, securing your assets is not an option, it is a requirement. Join us as we take you through scenarios that will help you prepare for the worst. Speakers:

Moderator:

Donald Hester, Cybersecurity Manager, City of Livermore Rodrigo Macias, Partner, Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP Johnny Mays, IT Advisory Supervisor, Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP Michelle Bannigan, Finance Director, City of Stanton

CSMFO ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

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Clarifying CalPERS Rules on Hiring, Reporting and Working After Retirement (T – Technical) Location: Pacific E

For many employers, navigating the rules of reporting and hiring employees under the umbrella of the Public Employees’ Retirement Law can present challenges and confusion. Many situations require careful analysis of the law and the specific details about the individual employee, and there are frequent refinements to the guidelines as new legislation, precedential cases, and regulations are promulgated. This presentation will cover hot topics and emerging issues with CalPERS. In particular, we will cover rules for hiring retired employees, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), special compensation, using independent contractors, and temporary employees. We will also cover common compliance issues, audit findings, recent audit trends, and how to address them. This session will be essential for agencies to know how to stay compliant and avoid liability. Speakers:

Moderator:

Renee Ostrander, Chief of Employer Account Management, California Public Employees’ Retirement System Steven Berliner, Partner, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore Stephen Parker, Assistant City Manager, City of Upland

Indirect Costs and Federal Funding: What You Need to Know (T – Technical) Location: Palm 1-3

Maximizing and sustaining revenue is more important now than ever. Fiscal recovery funds and federal grants are a chief source of revenue across the board for state, local, and tribal governments. Agencies spend on average 30-40% of total program cost in indirect costs to support federally funded grant programs. However, much of this indirect cost ends up being subsidized by the General Fund. It is critical that agencies understand their true costs in order to support their programs long-term. Join us in breaking down the common misconceptions around indirect costs and learn the necessary steps to recover those costs. By maximizing federal funding through indirect cost recovery, agencies can come out of this COVID-19 era stronger. Speakers:

Moderator:

Jennifer Becker, Financial Services Director, City of Burbank Nicolie Lettini, Vice President of Indirect Services, eCivis Kim Scott, Finance Manager-Accounting, City of Victorville

CSMFO ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

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CLOSING GENERAL SESSION & FEATURED SPEAKER Friday, February 18, 2022 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Marques Ogden (1 CPE, N – Non-technical) Location: Pacific A

Growing up in a single-parent home with a father who inspired perseverance and fairness, Marcus learned how to define his values and set goals. He attended Howard University from 1998-2002, where he played Division I football. Marques then followed his dream and his brother Jonathan’s footsteps, eventually getting drafted into the NFL in 2003. Overall, he played for five years as an offensive lineman with the Titans, Bills, Ravens, and Jaguars. Following his NFL career, Marques started Kayden Premier Enterprises, a construction company in 2007, which quickly escalated to being a multi-million-dollar construction firm. In 2013, it all crashed down around him when Ogden got involved with a bad business deal and he ended up losing everything. Looking back on that situation now at the age of 37, he realized that he was an ineffective leader. He did not have a mentor/coach to guide him in how to continually grow his booming business. Today, Marques’s passion is keynote speaking, and executive coaching others on how to look at their vision with a “clear” set of eyes. Join us as Marques Ogden discusses strategies on how to successfully seize opportunities even when you have lost everything. Learn strategies and techniques to push through adversity and overcome self-doubt and fear. Discover how to become a better leader. Learn how to create real value, and increase your chances for success.

CSMFO ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

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